The White House Briefing Room

April 27, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release April 27, 1999
April 27, 1999
MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Renewing the Federal Government-University
Research Partnership for the 21st Century
Federal investments in university research are critically important to
the Nation, helping foster the discovery of knowledge, stimulating
technological innovation, improving the quality of life, and contributing
to America's economic prosperity. Universities also have the unique role
of educating and training the next generation of scientists and
engineers. Indeed, the integration of research and education is the
hall-mark of the American university system, which many nations now seek
to emulate. Beginning with the visionary establishment of the land grant
universities by President Lincoln in 1862 and continuing with President
Truman's effort to redouble our Nation's commitment to
university-sponsored research and education by the establishment of the
National Science Foun-dation, the partnership that has evolved between
the Federal Government and our Nation's system of research universities
has served us well by any measure of success.
However, with the end of the Cold War and the globalization of the
world's economy, it became apparent that the future success of the
partnership cannot be taken for granted. That is why I directed the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to assess the current
state of the partnership and recommend ways to strengthen it. The
resulting report on Renewing the Federal Government-University Research
Partnership for the 21st Century finds that the partnership is
fundamentally sound, but that it can still be improved. Therefore, I
direct as follows:
1. The NSTC, in consultation with research universities and other
stakeholders in the Federal science and technology enterprise, shall
develop a statement of principles that clearly articulates the roles,
responsibilities, and expectations of each of the partners and
establishes a framework for addressing future issues as they arise.
Ultimately, this statement of principles will serve to shape future
discussions and guide policy development and decision making.
2. The NSTC shall develop recommendations to better support the
integration of research and education in Government policies and
practice. The vital and dual roles of students (undergraduates as well
as graduates), as both researchers who contribute to the national
research enterprise and as students who gain research experience as part
of their training, must be recognized and reflected in Government and
university policies and practices.
more
(OVER)
2
3. The NSTC shall propose specific actions by member agencies to make
the partnership more effective and efficient. These actions should be
aimed at fostering a productive policy, regulatory, and administrative
environment and promoting cost and administrative efficiencies while
maintaining accountability for public funds.
These actions should be completed within 12 months of the date of this
memorandum. The findings and recommendations contained in the NSTC
report Renewing the Federal Government-University Research Partnership
for the 21st Century should provide the basis for proceeding.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
# # #